"Unable to Play" Error when I try to watch few movies/series on Apple TV

Exact same issue as OP except trying to play any Apple TV+ content fails (trying to continue to watch Slow Horses but all shows now fail). The service used to work just fine but now fails (no changes on my end). Previews play then it chokes with "Try Again" and "Start Troubleshooting" - neither of which do anything.

Subscriber since March, it used to work fine but not the past 2 weeks.

amazon, netflix, youtubeTV, Max, Paramount+, Disney, Peacock, Hulu - all work. Apple TV+ = terrible service. Contacted "customer support" but no response.

LG smart TV via Roku Ultra connected via Ethernet.

Apple TV+ works on the amazon fireTV via Ethernet but I'm not going to the basement just to watch Apple TV+. Will be requesting refund and unsubscribing most likely.

Couldn’t navigate the end of this thread. What is the solution to this problem.

Everything was fine a couple of weeks ago??

It would show previous episodes and then the error message comes up?

LG smart TV via Roku Ultra

For Roku:

Another user (mygreensocks) suggested this procedure from Roku Support staff, which reportedly helped several users.

1. Remove the Apple TV app,
2. Shut off and unplug the TV (or streaming device),
3. Wait 30 seconds,
4. Plug the TV (or streaming device) back in,
5. Reload the Apple TV app.

Else try the Network Connection Reset, as mentioned by user Jarieta.

1. Roku: Home﹥Settings﹥System﹥Advanced System Settings﹥Network Connection Reset

If the issue persists after that, then please contact the Apple Support staff for further assistance.

I tried the network connection reset on my Roku, and as soon as I did that I can access any show or movie. And I’m glad I looked at the discussions, or I would still be frustrated and irritated that this keeps happening, literally it’s been going on for a few weeks, it’s like what’s the point of having it if I can’t watch it on my main TV? I really didn’t want to sit all day and watch it on my phone….

This is not a TV issue, I have a Samsung and am experiencing exactly what you describe. I’m also trying to view The Morning Show and it goes as far as showing the scenes from last episode and then when it tries to launch the actual episode the “Unable to play” error comes up. I tried a different show and same thing, the preview plays just fine but not the actual episodes. Very frustrating that someone at Apple has coded for this error message, yet there’s no explanation for it given on the app or anywhere in online support.

It is just on my Apple TV app on the tv.

On what model TV with what version system software is this happening? So that we may suggest troubleshooting specific to your device.

I have the same unable to play message, have performed the remove apple app, restart Roku, reinstall apple app fix and it works, but then a day or so later same error message happens!?! So I do the whole fix again and the next time I try to watch Ted Lasso, and get the same error message. What's happening with Apple TV? I don’t have this problem with Netflix, Prime, Acorn, BritBox, PBS… just Apple TV. It's enough to make me want to cancel my subscription.

Any ideas to fix this? Thanks for any help

I too have issues watching TMS, every 10 minutes it stops then when I replay it starts all over from the beginning and then I have to FF only for it to stop again a few minutes later. Why is this a problem?

Please specify your device and model.

Wondering if Apple will give prorated refunds? We should all start documenting these “unable to play” events when troubleshooting showed no problem and every other streaming app works fine. Maybe Apple would quickly figure out how to deal with the problem.

For Sony TVs, it may have to do with the TV’s privacy settings. Try this:

discussions.apple.com/thread/252691729

Awesome. I’m glad it is working now. Enjoy Apple TV+.